Gov. Uba Sani Invests N8.2 Billion in Upgrading Kabala-Costain Road, Says KADRA MD

Table of Contents

1. Disbursement of Funds
2. Project Background
3. Consultant Insights
4. Engineering Solutions
5. Project Progress
6. Future Expectations

Governor Uba Sani has allocated a total of N8.2 billion for both settling inherited debts and mobilizing contractors to finalize the long-delayed Kabala-Costain road project, as stated by Dr. Abdullahi Baba Ahmed, the Managing Director of the Kaduna State Roads Agency (KADRA).

He noted that the project was left unfinished by the previous administration due to significant design issues and financial constraints.

During his visit to the project site with his team, Dr. Ahmed explained that Governor Uba Sani addressed the inherited debt of N2.2 billion owed to the contractor and mobilized CCECC to the site with an additional N6 billion.

The Managing Director further stated that a total of N8.2 billion has been invested in the project, assuring that the road will be completed next year.

He emphasized that Governor Uba Sani inherited the Kabala-Costain road project at only 35 percent completion, countering the misleading claims made by the previous administration.

While at the project site, Engr. Shakirudeen Adesina Akinloye, the Chief Consultant of the road dualization project, recalled that the contract was awarded in 2020, but work was halted in 2022 due to significant design flaws and payment issues, which forced the contractor, CCECC, to stop work.

The Chief Consultant further noted that the Uba Sani administration not only revived the project but also settled a N2.2 billion debt owed by the previous government.

“The project was halted at 35 percent completion before the current administration took over. Upon resuming, we discovered the original design was unsafe, featuring a sharp curve right after the bridge, which posed an accident risk. We redesigned it to ensure smooth traffic flow and enhance safety,” he explained.

According to Engr. Akintoye, Governor Uba Sani's intervention prevented further deterioration of the site.

“The original design had engineering flaws. The redesign now incorporates a gentle curve and an additional bridge to address flooding and safety concerns. Safety is paramount in engineering,” he added.

The Chief Consultant revealed that the new design also includes a second bridge similar to the first, to tackle waterlogging issues, as soil tests indicated the subsoil depth in the area is approximately nine meters.

“Instead of incurring additional costs for soil stabilization, the current government approved a second bridge, which is both quicker and more economical,” he clarified.

Further elaborating, the Managing Director of KADRA supported the consultant’s remarks, emphasizing that the project was left incomplete by the last administration.

Dr. Baba Ahmed reiterated that the Uba Sani administration inherited the project at only 35 percent completion.

He stated that only one bridge and about 600 meters of road, out of a total of 2.7 kilometers, were completed before the project was abandoned, representing roughly 22 percent of the total work scope.

“This administration took office in 2023 and revived the project. It settled an outstanding N2.2 billion owed to the contractor and released an additional 50 percent advance payment for pending works,” Dr. Ahmed said.

The MD of KADRA dismissed claims that the previous government achieved up to 70 percent completion, labeling the assertion as “pure misinformation.”

“It’s simple arithmetic, not mathematics. Six hundred meters out of 2.7 kilometers is 22 percent. This administration is constructing the remaining 2.1 kilometers and a second bridge,” he clarified.

Dr. Baba Ahmed also explained that new engineering solutions became necessary after investigations revealed that the initial alignment narrowed the water channel, leading to flooding during the rainy season.

“We had two options: either invest heavily in soil stabilization or extend the bridge. We opted for the latter because it is both safer and more cost-effective,” he said.

The MD praised Governor Uba Sani for taking decisive action to complete the project despite the financial challenges that his administration inherited.

“This administration is dedicated to delivering quality infrastructure. It did not neglect the contractor’s debt; it settled it and pushed for rapid completion,” the KADRA leader added.

Mr. Henry Zhang, Project Manager for CCECC Kaduna Office, also confirmed that the project was stalled due to unpaid certificates and adverse ground conditions, adding that the company has since received advance payment from the current government and has resumed full-scale operations.

“With the leadership of Governor Uba Sani, the project has been revitalized and is progressing smoothly. We are committed to delivering a high-quality road that will enhance traffic flow, connect communities, and support Kaduna’s economic growth,” Zhang stated.

The Kabala–Costain dualization project, which spans 2.7 kilometers, connects Aliyu Makama Road and Costain Junction in Kaduna North.

Once completed, it is anticipated to alleviate traffic congestion, prevent flooding, and improve economic connectivity between Kaduna North and Kaduna South.